Pregnant and craving coke?
Pregnant women may experience all sorts of cravings, one of which may include a thirst for soda drinks like coke. But is coca-cola safe to consume while you’re expecting? We take a look…
Are you pregnant and craving an ice-cold glass of Coke? Worried soft drinks may be dangerous to consume while expecting? It is difficult to control addictions and cravings during your pregnancy, but it is easier to consider your health and that of your unborn baby. Experts advise that moms-to-be should steer away from any sugary drinks while they’re pregnant. That’s doesn’t mean you can’t have the occasional glass or two. It just means you shouldn’t drink a full 2 litres!
Is coke safe during pregnancy?
According to Coca-Cola UK, moms can continue drinking coke during their pregnancy. When asked if it is okay to continue drinking coke, they responded and said: “Yes. The Food Standards Agency (FDA) recommends that pregnant women should not take more than 200mg of caffeine a day. A can of Coca‑Cola Classic contains 32mg of caffeine, and a can of Diet Coke contains 42mg.” Therefore, according to the website, pregnant women should drink less than five cans of coke a day due to its caffeine levels.
Good to know: Coke mainly consists of sugar, carbon dioxide, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives.
A word on sugar
According to the Apta Club website, “pregnant women should have no more than 30g of free sugars a day, which is roughly equivalent to seven sugar cubes.” A 350ml can of coke has roughly 39g of sugar. It surpasses the daily requirement by 0.9 grams. Consuming too much sugar during your pregnancy increases a women’s chances of developing pre-eclampsia, diabetes, and poses a risk for your child as well. They are more likely to be overweight as they grow up. The American Journal of Preventive Medicine has found that a child’s memory and learning may be affected by the mom’s sugar and soda consumption.
